Master Xuecheng presided over The Buddha Bathing Dharma Assembly

On May 3rd, 2017, the 8th day of the 4th month in the Lunar Calendar, Abbot Xuecheng presided over the Buddha Bathing Dharma Assembly at the Putian Guanghua Monastery.

On May 3rd, 2017, the 8th day of the 4th month in the Lunar Calendar, Abbot Xuecheng presided over the Buddha Bathing Dharma Assembly at the Putian Guanghua Monastery. From very early in the morning, disciples waited ardently in the Great Buddha Hall for a morning recitation with the Venerable Master. When the Master walked gently into the hall, his equanimity was inspiring and his dignified appearance was compelling.

When the Assembly began, Abbot Xuecheng, following the procession, invited the "prince" on behalf of everyone present. At that moment, scattered flowers fell from above.

"I now bath all Tathagata,

Who are adorned with pure wisdom, and who have cultivated merit and virtue.

May all the sentient beings in the world of the five turbidities expunge filth and realize the pure Dharma body of Tathagata."

To the solemn and beautiful chanting of "the Verse for Bathing the Buddha", fragrant water trickled down the Buddha statue, washing away eons of habituations within the attendees and bringing peace of mind.

The Buddha Bathing Dharma Assembly this year happened to fall on the third day of the Dharma Assembly of the Bodhisattva Precepts Transmission. It can be considered a blessing for those being ordained this year that they have the opportunity to bath the Buddha and purify the mind before accepting precepts. The attendees also expressed their willingness to follow the Master’s example in practicing the way of the Buddha, guiding sentient beings, and continuing to cultivate virtue until Bodhi is attained.

In the afternoon, Master Jielin explained to those awaiting ordination the meaning of accepting precepts. Then, Master Fakong transmitted the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. All this together helps those being ordained grasp the essence of the precepts so that they take refuge in the Three Jewels in all their lives to come. Nearly 3000 people divided into five groups attended the Buddha Bathing Dharma Assembly. The Assembly was well organized under the guidance of Master Xuecheng.